His Holiness the Dalai Lama affectionately greeting a young child on his arrival at his hotel in Narita, Japan on November 8, 2016. Photo/Jigme Choephel

8 November 2016

TOKYO: His Holiness the Dalai Lama today arrived in Japan to give a series of Buddhist teachings and public talks from 9 – 26 November 2016.

On arrival at the Narita airport, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was received by a representative from the Indian embassy in Japan and Representative Lungtok. Several old Japanese friends including Mr Hiraoka Kouichi, principal of Seifu High School and the organiser of His Holiness’ visit, welcomed His Holiness as he stepped out into arrival hall. Around 100 Tibetans carrying khatak (traditional greeting scarves) gave a traditional welcome to His Holiness.

Speaking to the media at the airport, His Holiness expressed his interest in meeting with young people as they have the responsibility to make the world a peaceful place to live. His Holiness emphasised the importance of developing inner values, saying that material development alone cannot bring inner happiness.

His Holiness will start his public engagements with a visit to Honganji Temple in Tokyo on 9 November. His Holiness will be received by chief priest Otani Choujyun. His Holiness will have dialogue with the chief priest on a theme titled ‘Essence of Buddhist Teaching’. Honganji Temple is a centre of Shin (Authentic) Buddhism, founded by a Japanese monk known as Shinran some 800 years ago. His relics was buried in a Mausoleum, which was later turned by his grandson Kakunyo in 1321 into Honganji Temple, known as the temple of the original vow, to protect and preserve the teachings of Shin Buddhism.

His Holiness will give a series of Buddhist teachings on “A Guide to Boddhisattavas Way of Life” and initiations on Actual Chitamani Tara Initiation (Dolkar Wang) and Miyowa Jenang. He will also visit schools and university and speak on themes ranging from “The Mission of Buddhists in the 21st Century”, “Compassion – The Key to Happiness” and “Medical Progress and Warm Heart”.

This is His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 23rd visit to Japan. He first visited Japan in 1967.

-Report filed by Lobsang Choedak from Japan-

Members of the Tibetan community offer His Holiness the Dalai Lama a traditional welcome on his arrival at Narita Airport in Narita, Japan on November 8, 2016. Photo/Jigme Choephel